Lead Therapist – Sanctuary Lodge
Location: Sanctuary Lodge, Halstead Essex, CO9
Contract: Full-time, 40 Hours per week: 5 days a week on a rota which includes Saturday and Sundays
Salary: £32,000 per annum


About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and values-driven Lead Therapist to join our multidisciplinary team at Sanctuary Lodge. This is a senior clinical role with responsibility for leading the therapeutic programme, supporting and developing therapists, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, person-centred addiction treatment. You will play a key role in shaping clinical practice, maintaining governance standards, and supporting clients through every stage of their recovery journey.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership and day-to-day oversight of the therapy team
• Deliver and oversee group and one-to-one therapy in line with treatment programmes
• Support the development, supervision, and performance of therapists
• Contribute to treatment planning, reviews, and multidisciplinary meetings
• Ensure therapy delivery aligns with regulatory, ethical, and organisational standards
• Promote a safe, therapeutic, and recovery-focused environment for clients
• Support continuous improvement through audits, feedback, and service development

About You

• Qualified - to a minimum of level 6 and registered member - visible on the relevant public register (e.g. BACP or NCPS membership)
• Substantial experience working within addiction, mental health, or residential treatment settings
• Proven experience in a senior, lead, or supervisory therapy role
• Strong understanding of group facilitation, trauma-informed practice, and recovery models
• Confident leader with excellent communication and decision-making skills
• Committed to high clinical standards and compassionate care

Our Values
At UKAT, our work is guided by four core values that underpin everything we do:

• Understanding – We listen without judgement and recognise every individual’s unique journey
• Kindness – We lead with compassion, empathy, and respect
• Accountability – We take responsibility for our actions, decisions, and standards of care
• Teamwork – We work collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for our clients

We are looking for a Lead Therapist who not only demonstrates clinical excellence, but who truly lives these values in their leadership and practice.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a leading residential treatment centre
• Supportive, values-led organisation with a strong multidisciplinary culture
• Ongoing professional development and leadership support
• Birthday Off!
• Company pension scheme
• On-site parking
• Blue Light Card- discounts at thousands of retailers
• BUPA wellness programme

The Recruitment Process:

• You will have an initial phone conversation with the talent acquisition specialist which will be an informal chat and opportunity to ask questions about the position
• If you are successful in your initial phone conversation, you will be required to undertake an interview on-site or via video conference. (please note that if you have a video/in-person interview, you will be required to visit the centre at a later date for our 2nd stage interview)
• Our shortlisted candidates will be notified if they are successful within 5 working days post interview.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer, committed to making our recruitment process inclusive and accessible to all

If you are passionate about recovery, leadership, and delivering outstanding therapeutic care, we would love to hear from you.